This Baked Fried Chicken recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken, but without the mess or excess oil. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, itโs a healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative:ย Get the crispy texture of fried chicken without deep frying.
- Easy to Make:ย Requires minimal prep and cleanup.
- Family-Friendly:ย A hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable:ย Adapt the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep:ย Store leftovers for easy meals later in the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- All-purpose flour
- Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- Eggs
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with a pinch of salt.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 35โ40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving to retain crispiness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4โ6
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 35โ40 minutes
- Total Time:ย 50โ55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy:ย Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Herby:ย Mix dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Air Fryer Method:ย Cook at 375ยฐF for 20โ25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for 10โ15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
2. Whatโs the best way to ensure a crispy coating?
Spraying the chicken lightly with olive oil before baking and baking on a wire rack helps achieve maximum crispiness.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
4. Can I freeze this baked fried chicken?
Yes, freeze fully cooked chicken pieces in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
5. What should I serve with baked fried chicken?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
6. Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
Marination isnโt required, but you can soak the chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor.
7. Can I use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, but adjust the additional seasonings to avoid over-seasoning.
8. Why do I need to turn the chicken halfway through?
Turning ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour works, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
10. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Conclusion
Baked Fried Chicken is the perfect solution for those who love crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of frying. This recipe is easy, healthier, and endlessly versatile, making it a go-to dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Give it a try, and youโll discover a new family favorite!
PrintBaked Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken without the guilt! This Baked Fried Chicken recipe uses a clever oven-baking technique to achieve that crunchy, flavorful coating you loveโwithout the deep fryer. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 8 pieces) bone-in, skin-on chicken (drumsticks or thighs work best)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Marinate:
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. Add the chicken to the mixture, ensuring itโs fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake:
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil or melted butter over the top of each piece to help with browning.
- Bake for 35โ45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or sides!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the chicken halfway through baking.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk and 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken pieces, but reduce the baking time accordingly (20โ25 minutes).
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